You've probably woken up, grabbed your coffee, and started scrolling for the kickoff times. It is Friday, January 16, 2026. Usually, this is when the Big Ten is in its absolute glory, with the Midwest chill settling over massive stadiums and the roar of the crowd echoing through the TV speakers. But if you are looking for a full slate of Big Ten football games today, you might notice something weird.
The schedule is basically empty.
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Honestly, it’s a bit of a shock to the system if you aren't tracking the postseason calendar. We are currently sitting in that strange, quiet pocket between the chaos of the New Year's Day quarterfinals and the massive finale. Most of the "Big Ten football games today" are actually happening in the film rooms and on the recruiting trail rather than on the turf.
The National Championship Shadow
The big reason for the lack of games right now? The College Football Playoff National Championship.
It’s scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026. The Indiana Hoosiers—yes, you read that right—are the ones carrying the Big Ten banner this year. They are set to face off against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. It’s a matchup that basically nobody predicted back in August, but here we are.
Because the title game is just a few days away, the rest of the conference has shuttered for the winter. The Peach Bowl already happened on January 9, where Indiana handled Oregon in an all-Big Ten semifinal clash that felt more like a conference championship rematch than a national semi. Oregon fans are likely still feeling that sting, but for the rest of the Big Ten, the focus has shifted entirely to Monday night.
- Who: #1 Indiana vs. #10 Miami
- When: Monday, Jan 19, 7:30 PM ET
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
- Channel: ESPN
What’s Actually Happening in the Big Ten Today?
While there aren't any live football games today, January 16, the Big Ten is far from "off." If you’re a fan of the conference, your Friday is actually packed—just not with pigskin.
The Big Ten Network is currently leaning heavily into winter sports to fill the void. Tonight, we’ve got a massive wrestling double-header that arguably carries as much weight in the Midwest as a mid-tier bowl game. Penn State is heading into Iowa City to face the Hawkeyes at 7:00 PM. That’s a collision of titans. Right after that, Nebraska hits the mats against Minnesota at 9:00 PM.
If you're strictly a football person, today is mostly about logistics and news. Illinois fans just got word that season ticket renewals for the 2026 season officially start this coming Tuesday, January 20. It's that time of year where the "next season" hype starts before the current one is even over.
Recruiting and the Transfer Portal
Today is a massive day for the "silent" game of football. The transfer portal is humming. Coaches from Michigan, Ohio State, and USC (still feels weird saying they're Big Ten, right?) are scattered across the country. They’re trying to patch holes in rosters that were exposed during the December bowl run.
Kinda wild how the sport never actually stops. Even with zero games on the screen, the future of the 2026 season is being decided in living rooms in Texas and Florida right now.
Common Misconceptions About Today’s Schedule
A lot of people assume there might be a random lower-tier bowl game today. Not in 2026. The expansion of the 12-team (and now moving toward more) playoff has effectively sucked the oxygen out of the mid-January calendar.
Previously, you might have seen a stray game, but the TV networks have cleared the deck for the National Championship. They want all the eyeballs on Indiana vs. Miami. There’s no "Friday Night Lights" for the Big Ten today because the conference is essentially holding its breath for Monday.
Why Indiana is the Story
If you’re wondering how Indiana became the face of Big Ten football this January, look at the stats. They finished the regular season 15-0. They’ve been an absolute juggernaut under this coaching staff, boasting a scoring margin that hasn't been seen in Bloomington... well, ever.
- Defense: They allowed only 166 points across the entire season.
- Home Field: They went 7-0 at Memorial Stadium.
- Consistency: They’ve held a 15-win streak that has the entire state of Indiana (usually a basketball haven) losing its collective mind.
Actionable Steps for Big Ten Fans Today
Since there aren't any Big Ten football games today, here is how you should actually spend your Friday to stay in the loop:
- Check the BTN Schedule: Watch the "B1G Football in 60" replays. They are airing the Peach Bowl (Indiana vs. Oregon) today at 2:00 PM. It’s a great way to scout Indiana before the Monday night title game.
- Monitor the Portal: Keep an eye on local beat writers for teams like Nebraska and Michigan State. These schools are being incredibly aggressive with 2026 scholarship offers today.
- Pivot to Basketball or Wrestling: If you need live sports, tune into BTN for the Penn State/Iowa wrestling meet at 7 PM ET. It’s the closest thing to the physical intensity of football you’ll find today.
- Gear Up for Monday: If you’re planning a watch party for the Hoosiers vs. Hurricanes, today is the day to handle the logistics. Most Big Ten fans are rooting for the conference to bring home the trophy, even the ones in West Lafayette (maybe).
The "offseason" officially starts for most on Tuesday morning, so enjoy this weird, quiet Friday while you can. The cycle starts all over again in just a few weeks with spring ball.
Keep an eye on the official Big Ten website for updated 2026 fall schedules, which are expected to be finalized and released in detail within the coming weeks. For now, set your DVR for Monday night and prepare for the Hoosiers to try and make history.